Billy Joel
at St. Pete Times Forum
Tampa, FL |
Tampa, FL - January 12, 2006 - For the first time in 8 years, Billy Joel returns to the stage as a headlining solo artist. Slightly grayer in the beard and a little less hair on top, Billy let this crowd know after three decades he still knows how to bring down the house. Classic hits like "Piano Man" and "Movin' Out," had the older fans dancing in isles and singing along while younger fans went wild for "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "The River of Dreams." This very enthusiastic crowd let Billy know he hasn't lost his touch.
On tour promoting the release of his 5-disc box set entitled "My Lives," Billy seemed genuinely excited and energetic about returning to the stage. "Some of these you'll know, some of these you won't know, " he informed the audience, referring to previously unreleased songs he has added to the new album. I was impressed by his humble attitude, often lacking in living legends like himself. Billy seemed to truly appreciate his fans as he shared stories of songs he has written. "This one is my politically incorrect songs," he says of 'Stilletto,' "it was written about…well…a bitch."
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"My Lives" contains 4 CDs and 1 DVD of video footage of past performances and allows fans to understand the creative process of his music. The box set takes listeners from the beginning of his career as a classical pianist to the pop sensation he would later become. I am sometimes skeptical when artists who haven't released any new albums in years come out with a "greatest hits" album, it seems like a generic way to squeeze some more blood out of the turnip. However, I can guarantee you after seeing the fans tonight, Billy Joel is very appealing to the masses.
Concert Review by Angela Dudley - Copyright © 2006 Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved. |
